The structure took several hundred years to build until the XVI century, and different styles can be recognised. Elements of the 11th - 1th Century church, which replaced the previous 9th Century one, are still visible along the sides, namely the portals, tombs and epigraphs.
The black and white banded façade is rather common in Genoa as well as in part of Tuscany. The sculptures in the façade are scenographically enhanced by the staircases rising from the lower square. These include the Gothic column supporting lions and the Apostle with sun dial, commonly know as l'arrotino (the knife-grinder).
The gothic portals of the façade stand out in the Italian architecture of the time.
The lunette of the central portal, showing the Martyrdom of St. Lawrence, is particularly relevant.
The cathedral hosts the Museum of the St. Lawrence Treasury.
This was the palace of the former rulers of the Republic of Genoa, built at the end of the 16th Century. The neoclassic façade co-exists with the remains of the previous medieval building at the left. A double courtyard opens toward the very centre of the city.
A majestic staircase leads to the upper floor where the halls in which the government activities took place, the private apartment of the Doge and the chapel are located. All of them are nicely decorated with paintings, frescoes and tapestry.
Today, the palace is a well developed cultural site where exhibitions and meetings are currently held. A permanent settlement of antiques and bric a brac shops is also to be found here.
The Dwellings of the Doria Family (Piazza San Matteo)
Piazza S. Matteo is a small jewel of medieval architecture. The square was the private property of the noble (and rich) Dorias. All around are the palaces of important members of the family. The principal palace was offered as a present by the Senate of the Republic to the great Admiral Andrea Doria.
This is a very large palace, built in the 17th Century and later bought by the royal family. The beautiful hanging garden faces the harbour over one of the most bustling and characteristic corners of the city.
On the first floor is the Royal Palace Gallery containing marbles, paintings, furniture, tapestry, ceramics, and anything else you may wish to find in a patrician dwelling.
The square in which the church is located was the centre of the economic activities of the city. Its name, Piazza Banchi (Bank Square), is clear evidence of the importance of the site.
The church was built in the 16th century, after an epidemic. A special type of popular tax was demanded, which determined the rather original architectural solution of the church standing over a group of commercial buildings.
St. Stephen's Church (Piazza Santo Stefano - Via XX Settembre)
This is a very ancient church, founded in the 10th century as a part of an abbey.
The Romanesque apsis is the most interesting part of the structure. Funnily enough, the right aisle is missing. Originally the church was complete, but part of it was cut away to open the underlying street.
Inside, the church is rather austere without any major embellishments. However, observe the beautiful painting by Giulio Romano on the right wall. The presbytery, high over the crypt, is unique in Genoa.
Commonly believed to be the house where the young Christopher Columbus lived, it is currently a typical residence of a wool artisan rebuilt in the 17th century.
To the left of the house is St. Andrew's Cloister, the only surviving part of the monastery of the same name.
This lighthouse is the traditional symbol of the city. It was built in the 16th century as a symbol of independence, on the remains of a destroyed French fortress.
Righi is the name of a hill behind the city, ideal for picnicking or for a pleasant half-day trip. The top can be easily reached with a funicular railway. Once there, you can walk to some of the fortresses which were the line of defence of 18th Century Genoa. Very wide view over the city and the harbour.
Escola Europea de Short Sea Shipping - With the support of the European Commission